Swingable Slope Platform for Load Detector Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load detectors face challenges in easy placement under objects, such as bed legs, and are prone to measurement errors during load detection.

Innovation Solution

A load detector system featuring a beam-type load cell supported in a cantilever manner, with a platform having a swingable slope to guide objects onto the detection surface, and a lever mechanism to regulate movement and reduce measurement errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the load detector uses a fixed platform structure, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in placing the detector under bed legs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of placementVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is designed to be swingable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust between a loading position (where the subject is placed) and a measurement position (where accurate detection occurs). This dynamic structure resolves the contradiction by enabling easy placement through swinging motion while maintaining measurement precision when positioned correctly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The slope is configured to guide the subject onto the platform before measurement begins. This preliminary guiding action facilitates easy placement by directing the subject along the inclined surface onto the platform, after which the platform can be swung into the precise measurement position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the platform includes a fixed slope for guiding subjects, then the ease of operation improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to potential contact errors with the placement surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of placementVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The slope is made swingable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned at an angle for easy subject placement, then swung to a horizontal position for accurate measurement. This eliminates measurement errors caused by the slope contacting the placement surface at incorrect angles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The swingable platform acts as an intermediary between the subject and the load cell. It allows the subject to be placed easily via the slope, then transitions to a stable measurement position that accurately transmits the load to the load cell without interference from surface contact errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the load detector uses a simple platform structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of guiding mechanism for subjects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of placementVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The swingable platform with slope adds minimal complexity while significantly improving ease of operation. The single degree of freedom (swinging motion) provides both the guiding function during placement and the positioning function for measurement, achieving high operational ease without excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The swingable platform performs multiple functions: it guides the subject up the slope during placement, positions the subject correctly on the main body, and ensures accurate load transmission to the load cell. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate guiding and positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables easy placement of objects and reduces measurement errors by stabilizing the detection process, allowing for precise load detection.

Implementation Method 1

a beam-type load cell which is supported on a support base in a cantilever manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeam deformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

the slope is configured to swing between a first position in which a second end of the slope is in contact with a placement surface on which the load detector is placed and a second position in which the second end is separated from the placement surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3431935B1Load detector and load detecting system
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 MINEBEAMITSUMI INC
  • EP3431935B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3431935B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3431935B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A load detector (100) includes a beam-type load cell (21, 22) which is supported on a support base (11, 12) in a cantilever manner; and a platform (30) connected to the beam-type load cell. The platform includes a main body (30M) on which a subject is to be placed and a slope (SL30) having a first end, which is connected to the main body, the slope being configured to guide the subject to the main body. The slope is configured to swing between a first position in which a second end (SLT) of the slope is in contact with a placement surface on which the load detector is placed and a second position in which the second end is separated from the placement surface.